US prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, amid claims that the Trump administration's attack on him is an attempt to undermine the central bank's independence. In a video statement, Powell argued that the probe was motivated by political considerations and sought to discredit his testimony on the Fed's renovation plans.
The investigators are looking at Powell over allegations made during a congressional hearing last year, when he discussed the Fed's response to inflation concerns and its potential impact on interest rates. The probes were sparked by statements made in the Trump administration, where officials accused the Fed of mismanaging the economy.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has long been known for his independence from the White House, with a strong commitment to maintaining monetary policy stability. Critics have long argued that this stance is overly focused on protecting the interests of Wall Street at the expense of ordinary Americans, while proponents see it as essential to preventing economic turmoil.
The investigation marks another chapter in a saga of intense partisan tension between Washington policymakers and the Fed. It remains unclear how much Powell will be questioned about his testimony or what potential charges the investigators might pursue.
The investigators are looking at Powell over allegations made during a congressional hearing last year, when he discussed the Fed's response to inflation concerns and its potential impact on interest rates. The probes were sparked by statements made in the Trump administration, where officials accused the Fed of mismanaging the economy.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has long been known for his independence from the White House, with a strong commitment to maintaining monetary policy stability. Critics have long argued that this stance is overly focused on protecting the interests of Wall Street at the expense of ordinary Americans, while proponents see it as essential to preventing economic turmoil.
The investigation marks another chapter in a saga of intense partisan tension between Washington policymakers and the Fed. It remains unclear how much Powell will be questioned about his testimony or what potential charges the investigators might pursue.